A mum has been found guilty of murdering her daughter who suffered multiple fractures after coming into contact with a hard surface
A mum from West Bromwich has been found guilty of murdering her two-month-old daughter.
Emergency services rushed to the home of Zara Arsalan after receiving a call to say a baby girl was unresponsive after she fell from her mother’s lap on July 23, 2020. However, paramedics found Harleen had suffered a serious head injury and her breathing was not stable.
The child was taken to hospital but died from her injuries the next day. A post-mortem determined that Harleen had suffered multiple skull fractures, bleeding on the brain, fractured ribs and a fractured collar bone.
The injuries were believed to have come from contact with a hard surface and were not consistent with a fall, reported Birmingham Live.
It was believed Harleen was also likely shaken. Arsalan was arrested and later charged with Harleen’s murder.
She had pleaded not guilty to killing her baby. However, a jury found the 31-year-old guilty of murdering her daughter at Coventry Crown Court on Friday (Friday, February 20).
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Unit, said: “This is an incredibly tragic case. Harleen was only two months old when she died at the hands of the person who should have been doing everything to keep her safe.
“Arsalan has never taken responsibility for her actions. Instead, she has repeatedly lied about what happened to Harleen despite being shown evidence that rejects her claims.
“I want to thank all of the officers involved as I know they were deeply affected by this investigation. They have worked incredibly hard to get justice for Harleen and her family.”
Arsalan will be sentenced on Thursday, March 12.